D. The presence of aquaporins (proteins that form water channels in the membrane) should speed up the process of osmosis.
Explanation:
Water moves in the cells through osmosis which means water moves from its higher concentration to lower concentration. In many animals and plants, water channels are also present which is called aquaporins which allow the water to move through it in and out of cell more quickly.
The rate of diffusion by channel proteins is higher than simple diffusion therefore the aquaporins speed up the process of osmosis. No ATP is required to transport the water through aquaporin channel proteins.
